Canada to Further Tighten Study Permit Limits and Restructure Work Permit Eligibility for International Students
The government plans to lower the annual cap from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025, maintaining this level until at least 2026.
In response to growing concerns about population growth and labor market alignment, the Canadian government is set to implement significant changes to its immigration and study permit policies. Aiming to manage the influx of international students and address labor shortages, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced key reforms that will take effect starting in 2025. These changes are expected to better balance the country’s economic needs with its immigration objectives.
Reduced Study Permit Intake
One of the major shifts is a 10 per cent reduction in study permits for international students. The government plans to lower the annual cap from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025, maintaining this level until at least 2026. This decision follows mounting public pressure to address Canada’s housing crisis and rising cost of living, which have been exacerbated by rapid population growth.
Minister Miller emphasized the importance of adapting immigration policies to meet the country’s evolving needs. “We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programs and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape,” Miller said at a recent press conference. “Our immigration system must preserve its integrity, be well-managed, and sustainable.”
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
In addition to reducing study permit numbers, the government plans to modify the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program to ensure it aligns more closely with labor market demands. Currently, many international students are eligible for work permits upon graduation, allowing them to remain in Canada and contribute to the workforce. However, the new rules will introduce stricter criteria for eligibility.
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